Villages, water and country life
What to do and see in the Val d’Orcia
A square to linger in, the outline of a fortress, a lane through the fields. Set out from Terre di Giorgio to explore the area around Castiglione d’Orcia, from its villages and springs to the landscapes of Monte Amiata.
The farmland of Terre di Giorgio.
Our corner of Tuscany, at your own pace
Six places to choose from and enjoy
Discovering the Val d’Orcia means leaving room for the unexpected. Choose the places that catch your interest, allow yourself another stop and let each day find its own rhythm. These ideas are designed to accompany a stay in the countryside around Castiglione d’Orcia.
Getting to know the area
From the two fortresses to the woods of Monte Amiata
Water, stone and countryside each tell a different story. Follow the trail of medieval villages, seek out the landscapes around the springs, or combine time spent discovering local art with a walk in nature.
01 · WATER AND WOODLAND
Bagni San Filippo and the Balena Bianca
Here the landscape changes: rolling hills give way to woodland, thermal waters and limestone formations. In the Fosso Bianco area, the most recognisable sight is the Balena Bianca, a great formation shaped over time by mineral deposits from the water.
Pause to take in the contrast between pale stone and green foliage, then explore the little village and the church of San Filippo too. There is more to this place than a photo opportunity.
The Balena Bianca is fragile: do not touch it, climb on it or bathe nearby. Follow official notices and signs on site for access and permitted areas.
02 · THE VILLAGE AND ITS HISTORY
Castiglione d’Orcia and the Rocca Aldobrandesca
Begin in Piazza Vecchietta, overlooked by the town hall and medieval buildings. Other stops in the historic centre include the churches of Santa Maria Maddalena and Santi Stefano e Degna.
The Rocca Aldobrandesca tells the story of Castiglione’s strategic role: from here, the routes between Monte Amiata and the valley could be watched over. Its remains help you picture a landscape once crossed by traders and travellers, and shaped by rivalries.
It is a rewarding stop for anyone who likes to discover history through the shape of the landscape and the details of the stonework.
03 · A VIEW OVER THE VALLEY
Rocca d’Orcia and the Rocca di Tentennano
The second fortress is Tentennano, which rises above the village of Rocca d’Orcia on a limestone spur. Its position speaks for itself: the fortress watched over the valley and the routes of the Via Francigena.
Look beyond the tower. In the village below, Piazza della Cisterna retains its well and the houses arranged around it. Take your time here, letting their proportions and details tell the story.
Two fortresses, then, with two different perspectives: the Rocca Aldobrandesca in Castiglione d’Orcia and Tentennano above Rocca d’Orcia.
04 · ART AND GARDENS
San Quirico d’Orcia, from the Collegiata to the Horti Leonini
Begin at the Collegiata dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta, whose portals reveal different chapters in the building’s history. Inside, a highlight is Antonio Barili’s inlaid wooden choir stalls, originally made for Siena Cathedral and later brought here.
The pace changes in the Horti Leonini. This formal Italian garden brings together geometric flowerbeds and hedges with a more natural area. Noticing the contrasts is a lovely way to explore it.
You can combine San Quirico with Bagno Vignoni, letting your interests decide how long you linger.
05 · A SQUARE FILLED WITH WATER
Bagno Vignoni and the Parco dei Mulini
A large thermal pool lies at the heart of the village. This square of water is the place to begin exploring the relationship between the buildings and the springs, and to rediscover the pleasure of an unhurried pause.
The Parco dei Mulini adds another perspective: here, water also tells a story of work. The underground mills and channels show how this resource was once harnessed to grind grain.
Bathing is not permitted in the historic pool. For a thermal bathing experience, enquire at the dedicated facilities.
06 · THE WATERS OF MONTE AMIATA
Vivo d’Orcia and the Ermicciolo
Choose Vivo d’Orcia to discover another side of the area. In the woods on the slopes of Monte Amiata lies the Ermicciolo spring, the source of the River Vivo. The little church of the Ermicciolo also appears among the beech trees.
The sound of water and the woodland setting offer a different experience from the valley’s open views. It is an idea for anyone who enjoys balancing village visits with a day in nature, taking the time to notice what they find along the way.
To explore the springs more closely, ask whether any guided visits are scheduled.
The pleasure of coming back
The countryside is more than a backdrop
A stay in the Val d’Orcia can also be a chance to discover the farming, produce and people that belong to this landscape. At Terre di Giorgio, the hospitality of Villa La Palazzetta comes together with the organic farm and the restaurant’s cooking.
After a day among villages and springs, you can rediscover the area at the table, or ask which experiences are available to get to know the estate more closely. The season, the work taking place and the time you would like to spend in the countryside all help shape the possibilities.
Discover our farm restaurant and tell us how you imagine your stay.
Ask, discover, enjoy
Experiences shaped by the season
Ask us about the programme and availability during your stay. We will help you discover which experiences can be arranged.
- 01
A vineyard walk and picnic
A chance to explore the vineyards and take time to enjoy the scenery. Ask how the experience works and whether it is available on your dates.
- 02
Truffles and tastings
From truffle hunting to the estate’s wines, tell us what interests you. The programme and arrangements depend on the season and the experience you choose.
- 03
Dinner in the vineyards after the work is done
Would you like to share this moment of farm life? Ask us whether a dinner in the vineyards to mark the end of the work is planned during your stay, and about availability.
Sources to explore further and plan your visit
- Visit Tuscany — Bagni San Filippo and protecting the Balena Bianca
- Visit Tuscany — Castiglione d’Orcia
- Municipality of Castiglione d’Orcia — Rocca Aldobrandesca
- Visit Tuscany — Rocca di Tentennano
- Municipality of Castiglione d’Orcia — Rocca d’Orcia and the tower
- Visit Tuscany — Collegiata dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta
- Visit Tuscany — Horti Leonini
- Visit Tuscany — Bagno Vignoni and the Parco dei Mulini
- Visit Tuscany — The springs of Monte Amiata and the Ermicciolo
- Terre di Giorgio — Farm stays and experiences
Guide last updated: 3 September 2026.